JPH0992395A - Locking mechanism for connector - Google Patents
Locking mechanism for connectorInfo
- Publication number
- JPH0992395A JPH0992395A JP7267728A JP26772895A JPH0992395A JP H0992395 A JPH0992395 A JP H0992395A JP 7267728 A JP7267728 A JP 7267728A JP 26772895 A JP26772895 A JP 26772895A JP H0992395 A JPH0992395 A JP H0992395A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- lock
- ball
- connector
- engagement member
- mating connector
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
- H01R13/627—Snap or like fastening
- H01R13/6276—Snap or like fastening comprising one or more balls engaging in a hole or a groove
Landscapes
- Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、コネクタ同士を嵌
合状態にロックするための構造に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a structure for locking connectors in a fitted state.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】例えば電気自動車において充電を行う場
合には、車載バッテリーに接続した状態で車体に固定さ
れた車体側コネクタと、充電器に可撓ケーブルを介して
接続された充電器側コネクタとが用いられ、充電側コネ
クタを車体側コネクタに嵌合した状態で充電が開始され
る。この場合、充電中に充電器側コネクタが車体側コネ
クタから外れるのを防止するために双方のコネクタを嵌
合状態に保持するためのロック手段を設けることが必要
となるが、このようなロック手段としては、強度的信頼
性と操作性の点から、ガス管の接続に適用されているボ
ールロック機構を用いることが考えられる。2. Description of the Related Art For example, when charging an electric vehicle, a vehicle body-side connector fixed to a vehicle body while connected to an on-vehicle battery, and a charger-side connector connected to a charger via a flexible cable. Is used, and charging is started with the charging side connector fitted to the vehicle body side connector. In this case, in order to prevent the charger side connector from coming off from the vehicle body side connector during charging, it is necessary to provide a lock means for holding both connectors in a fitted state. For this reason, it is conceivable to use the ball lock mechanism applied to the connection of the gas pipe from the viewpoint of strength reliability and operability.
【０００３】[0003]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところが、かかるボー
ルロック機構では、周方向における係合力の均衡化を図
るために例えば９０°間隔の４カ所の位置にボール支持
孔を設け、各ボール支持孔に夫々ロックボールを収容す
るようになっている。そのため、ロックボールをボール
支持孔に収容した仮組み状態において下向きに開口する
ボール支持孔ではロックボールが脱落する虞があり、こ
れを防止する手段を講じなければならないことから組み
付け作業が繁雑になるという不具合があった。However, in such a ball lock mechanism, in order to balance the engaging force in the circumferential direction, for example, ball support holes are provided at four positions at 90 ° intervals, and each ball support hole is provided in each ball support hole. Each is designed to house a rock ball. Therefore, in the temporarily assembled state in which the lock ball is housed in the ball support hole, the lock ball may drop out in the ball support hole that opens downward, and it is necessary to take measures to prevent this, so that the assembly work becomes complicated. There was a problem.
【０００４】本願発明は上記事情に鑑みて創案されたも
のであって、ロックボールの組付けを容易にしたコネク
タのロック構造を提供することを目的とするものであ
る。The present invention was devised in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a connector locking structure in which lock balls are easily assembled.
【０００５】[0005]
【課題を解決するための手段】請求項１の発明は、コネ
クタハウジングに相手側コネクタとの嵌合可能に設けら
れた筒形嵌合部と、前記筒形嵌合部にその内外両周面に
開口して形成されたボール支持孔と、前記ボール支持孔
内に径方向への変位可能に、且つ、前記相手側コネクタ
と対応する周面側への脱抜を不能に収容され、前記筒形
嵌合部の周面への突出部分が相手側コネクタに係合する
ことによりコネクタ同士を嵌合状態にロックするロック
ボールと、前記相手側コネクタとの係合可能状態にある
前記ロックボールに対して前記相手側コネクタと反対側
から当接する係合位置と、前記ロックボールの前記相手
コネクタからの離脱を許容する退避位置との間で径方向
への弾性変位可能な弾性係合部材と、前記弾性係合部材
の退避位置への弾性撓みを規制可能な撓み規制部材とを
備えて構成されるところに特徴を有する。According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cylindrical fitting portion is provided in a connector housing such that the mating connector can be fitted to the connector housing, and the cylindrical fitting portion has inner and outer peripheral surfaces thereof. A ball support hole formed to open in the inside, and a ball support hole accommodated in the ball support hole so as to be displaceable in the radial direction and incapable of being removed to the peripheral surface side corresponding to the mating connector. A locking ball that locks the connectors to each other by engaging the mating connector with the protruding portion of the shape fitting portion to the peripheral surface, and the lock ball that is in the mating state with the mating connector. On the other hand, an elastic engagement member that is elastically displaceable in the radial direction between an engagement position that abuts from the opposite side of the mating connector and a retracted position that allows the lock ball to be disengaged from the mating connector, The elastic engaging member is moved to the retracted position. It characterized by where it is configured with a restricting possible deformation preventing member deflection.
【０００６】かかる構成の発明においては、筒形嵌合部
に相手側コネクタが嵌合してロックボールが係合する
と、撓み規制部材によって弾性係合部材が退避位置への
変位を規制されるため、両コネクタが嵌合状態にロック
される。弾性係合部材が退避位置へ変位すると、ロック
ボールが相手側コネクタから外れるように変位し、両コ
ネクタのロックが解除される。また、ボール支持孔が周
方向に複数設けられている場合におけるロックボールの
装着は、弾性係合部材を退避位置へ弾性撓みさせつつロ
ックボールを１個ずつボール支持孔内に収容していく。
この間、装着済みのロックボールは弾性係合部材の係合
によってボール支持孔内に保持されている。In the invention having such a structure, when the mating connector is fitted in the tubular fitting portion and the lock ball is engaged, the elastic engaging member is restricted from being displaced to the retracted position by the bending restricting member. , Both connectors are locked in the fitted state. When the elastic engagement member is displaced to the retracted position, the lock ball is displaced so as to be disengaged from the mating connector, and the lock of both connectors is released. In addition, when a plurality of ball support holes are provided in the circumferential direction, the lock balls are mounted while the elastic engagement members are elastically bent to the retracted position and the lock balls are housed in the ball support holes one by one.
During this time, the mounted lock ball is held in the ball support hole by the engagement of the elastic engagement member.
【０００７】請求項２の発明は、請求項１の発明におい
て、弾性係合部材は、相手側コネクタの嵌合方向におい
て、撓み規制部材により弾性係合部材の退避位置への弾
性変位を規制されるロック位置と前記弾性係合部材の退
避位置への変位が許容されるロック解除位置との間での
移動可能に設けられている構成としたところに特徴を有
する。かかる構成の発明においては、筒形嵌合部に相手
側コネクタが嵌合してロックボールが係合すると、弾性
係合部材がロック位置に移動して撓み規制部材により退
避位置への変位を規制されるため、両コネクタが嵌合状
態にロックされる。弾性係合部材がロック解除位置に移
動すると、ロックボールが相手側コネクタから外れるよ
うに変位して、両コネクタのロックが解除される。ま
た、ボール支持孔が周方向に複数設けられている場合に
おけるロックボールの装着は、予めロック位置に取り付
けておいた弾性係合部材を退避位置へ弾性撓みさせつつ
ロックボールを１個ずつボール支持孔内に収容してい
く。この間、装着済みのロックボールは弾性係合部材の
弾性押圧力によってボール支持孔内に保持されている。According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the elastic engagement member is regulated in the fitting direction of the mating connector by elastic deformation of the elastic engagement member to the retracted position by the deflection regulation member. It is characterized in that it is provided so as to be movable between a locked position and an unlocked position where the elastic engagement member is allowed to displace to the retracted position. In the invention having such a structure, when the mating connector is fitted into the tubular fitting portion and the lock ball is engaged, the elastic engaging member moves to the lock position and the deflection restricting member regulates the displacement to the retracted position. Therefore, both connectors are locked in the fitted state. When the elastic engagement member moves to the lock release position, the lock ball is displaced so as to be disengaged from the mating connector, and the locks of both connectors are released. In addition, when the plurality of ball support holes are provided in the circumferential direction, the lock balls are mounted by elastically bending the elastic engaging member, which is previously attached to the lock position, to the retracted position, and supporting the lock balls one by one. Store in the hole. During this time, the mounted lock ball is held in the ball support hole by the elastic pressing force of the elastic engagement member.
【０００８】請求項３の発明は、請求項２の発明におい
て、ボール支持孔は相手側コネクタの嵌合方向に沿って
細長く形成され、弾性係合部材には前記ボール支持孔内
においてロックボールをロック位置側へ押圧可能なボー
ル押圧部が形成され、前記弾性係合部材はロックスプリ
ングによって前記ロック位置側へ付勢されている構成と
したところに特徴を有する。かかる構成の発明において
は、筒形嵌合部に嵌合された相手側コネクタは、ロック
ボールに当接してロックスプリングの付勢に抗して弾性
係合部材をロック解除位置側へ移動させる。弾性係合部
材が撓み規制部材から外れて退避位置に変位するとロッ
クボールも相手側コネクタから外れるように変位する。
そして、ロックボールが相手側コネクタに係合すると、
ロックスプリングの付勢により弾性係合部材とロックボ
ールがロック位置に移動し、弾性係合部材の退避位置へ
の変位を規制されることによりロック状態に保持され
る。また、ボール支持孔へのロックボールの装着の際に
は、ロックスプリングの付勢によって弾性係合部材がロ
ック位置に保持され、ロックボールがボール押圧部で押
圧されているため、装着済みのロックボールがボール支
持孔内を移動して弾性係合部材から外れるという虞がな
い。According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the ball support hole is formed elongated along the mating direction of the mating connector, and the elastic engagement member has a lock ball in the ball support hole. A feature is that a ball pressing portion that can be pressed to the lock position side is formed, and the elastic engagement member is biased to the lock position side by a lock spring. In the invention of such a configuration, the mating connector fitted in the tubular fitting portion abuts the lock ball and moves the elastic engagement member to the unlocked position side against the bias of the lock spring. When the elastic engagement member is disengaged from the bending restriction member and displaced to the retracted position, the lock ball is also displaced so as to be disengaged from the mating connector.
Then, when the lock ball engages with the mating connector,
The elastic engagement member and the lock ball are moved to the lock position by the urging force of the lock spring, and the displacement of the elastic engagement member to the retracted position is restricted so that the elastic engagement member and the lock ball are held in the locked state. Further, when the lock ball is mounted in the ball support hole, the elastic engagement member is held at the lock position by the bias of the lock spring, and the lock ball is pressed by the ball pressing portion. There is no risk that the ball will move in the ball support hole and come off the elastic engagement member.
【０００９】[0009]
【発明の効果】請求項１乃至請求項３の発明によれば、
ロックボールの組付けに際しては、装着済みのロックボ
ールを弾性係合部材の係合によってボール支持孔内に保
持することができるから、周方向における複数位置にロ
ックボールを配置する場合でも、装着作業を容易に行う
ことができる。According to the first to third aspects of the present invention,
When assembling the lock ball, the mounted lock ball can be held in the ball support hole by the engagement of the elastic engagement member. Therefore, even when the lock balls are arranged at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction, the mounting work can be performed. Can be done easily.
【００１０】[0010]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明を具体化した一実施
形態を図１乃至図５を参照して説明する。雄コネクタ１
０（本発明の構成要件である相手側コネクタ）は、全体
として筒状をなすコネクタハウジング１１内に雄ターミ
ナル１２を収容してなり、前方へ延びるフード部１３の
外周には、円弧形断面をなす周方向の係合溝１４が全周
に亘って形成されている。この係合溝１４には、後述す
る雌コネクタ２０のロックボール３５が係合され、もっ
て、雄コネクタ１０と雌コネクタ２０とが嵌合状態にロ
ックされるようになっている。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Male connector 1
0 (a mating connector which is a constituent feature of the present invention) has a male terminal 12 housed in a connector housing 11 having a tubular shape as a whole, and an outer periphery of a hood portion 13 extending forward has an arc-shaped cross section. A circumferential engaging groove 14 is formed over the entire circumference. A lock ball 35 of the female connector 20 to be described later is engaged with the engagement groove 14, so that the male connector 10 and the female connector 20 are locked in a fitted state.
【００１１】雌コネクタ２０は、全体として筒状をなす
コネクタハウジング２１の内部に雌ターミナル２２を収
容してしてなり、前方へ延びる筒形嵌合部２３には、雄
コネクタ１０のフード部１３がその外周面を筒形嵌合部
２３の内周面に対応させて嵌入される。筒形嵌合部２３
の周方向において９０°の間隔を空けた４位置には、軸
方向に長いボール支持孔２４が筒形嵌合部２３の外周と
内周とを連通させて形成されている。The female connector 20 is formed by accommodating a female terminal 22 inside a connector housing 21 having a tubular shape as a whole. A tubular fitting portion 23 extending forward is provided with a hood portion 13 of the male connector 10. Is fitted with its outer peripheral surface corresponding to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical fitting portion 23. Tubular fitting 23
Ball support holes 24, which are long in the axial direction, are formed at the four positions spaced by 90 ° in the circumferential direction so that the outer circumference and the inner circumference of the cylindrical fitting portion 23 communicate with each other.
【００１２】各ボール支持孔２４の横断面形状は、図５
に示すように、内周側の開口縁部２４Ａの幅が後述する
ロックボール３５の表面形状に合わせて円弧形に形成さ
れており、これによって、ロックボール３５が内周側へ
抜けて外れることが規制されている。また、内周側の開
口縁部２４Ａ以外の部分は、ロックボール３５の外径と
同じ寸法の一定幅で外周側の開口縁へ抜けるように形成
されている。The cross-sectional shape of each ball support hole 24 is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the width of the opening edge portion 24A on the inner peripheral side is formed in an arc shape in accordance with the surface shape of the lock ball 35 described later, whereby the lock ball 35 slips out toward the inner peripheral side and comes off. Is regulated. Further, the portion other than the opening edge portion 24A on the inner peripheral side is formed so as to pass through to the outer peripheral opening edge with a constant width having the same dimension as the outer diameter of the lock ball 35.
【００１３】ロックボール３５は、筒形嵌合部２３の厚
さ寸法よりも直径寸法が大きい球形をなし、外周側から
ボール支持孔２４内に収容されるようになっている。ロ
ックボール３５がボール支持孔２４内において最も内側
に位置する状態では、部分的に筒形嵌合部２３の内周側
へ突出し、この突出部分が雄コネクタ１０の係合溝１４
に係合されるようになっている。The lock ball 35 has a spherical shape having a diameter dimension larger than the thickness dimension of the tubular fitting portion 23, and is accommodated in the ball support hole 24 from the outer peripheral side. In a state where the lock ball 35 is located on the innermost side in the ball support hole 24, the lock ball 35 partially projects to the inner peripheral side of the tubular fitting portion 23, and this projecting portion is engaged with the engaging groove 14 of the male connector 10.
To be engaged.
【００１４】筒形嵌合部２３の外周には、全体として筒
状をなすロック動作部材２５が軸方向（雄コネクタ１０
との嵌合方向）の移動可能に嵌装されている。このロッ
ク動作部材２５は、ロックスプリング２６によって前方
へ付勢されていて、常にはロックスプリング２６の付勢
に従って前方のロック位置（図１に示す）に保持されて
いるが、ロックスプリング２６の付勢に抗して後方のロ
ック解除位置（図３に示す）へ変位することが可能とな
っている。On the outer periphery of the cylindrical fitting portion 23, a locking operation member 25 having a cylindrical shape as a whole is axially formed (the male connector 10).
It is fitted so as to be movable in the fitting direction). The lock operation member 25 is biased forward by the lock spring 26 and is always held at the front lock position (shown in FIG. 1) according to the bias of the lock spring 26. It is possible to displace to the rear unlocked position (shown in FIG. 3) against the force.
【００１５】このロック動作部材２５には、その前端縁
における４つのボール支持孔２４と対応する位置から前
方へ突出する４片の弾性係合部材２７が一体に形成され
ている。弾性係合部材２７は、ロックボール３５よりも
外周側に配され、係合位置（図１に示す）とこの係合位
置よりも外周側の退避位置（図２に示す）との間で径方
向に弾性変位可能となっている。弾性係合部材２７が係
合位置にあるときには、ロックボール３５が内側へ押さ
れて筒形嵌合部２３の内周側へ突出する状態となり、弾
性係合部材２７が退避位置にあるときには、ロックボー
ル３５がボール支持孔２４内に退避することが可能とな
る。さらに、弾性係合部材２７の先端よりも少し後方の
位置には、内周側へ突出するボール押圧部２８が形成さ
れている。The lock operation member 25 is integrally formed with four pieces of elastic engagement members 27 which project forward from positions corresponding to the four ball support holes 24 on the front edge thereof. The elastic engagement member 27 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the lock ball 35, and has a diameter between an engagement position (shown in FIG. 1) and a retracted position on the outer peripheral side of the engagement position (shown in FIG. 2). It can be elastically displaced in any direction. When the elastic engagement member 27 is at the engagement position, the lock ball 35 is pushed inward and protrudes toward the inner peripheral side of the tubular fitting portion 23. When the elastic engagement member 27 is at the retracted position, The lock ball 35 can be retracted into the ball support hole 24. Further, a ball pressing portion 28 that protrudes toward the inner peripheral side is formed at a position slightly rearward of the tip of the elastic engagement member 27.
【００１６】筒形嵌合部２３の前端部外周には、後方へ
オーバーハングするように延びる筒形の撓み規制部材２
９が固定して取り付けられている。この撓み規制部材２
９の内周のうちの小径の前方部分は規制部３０となって
いて、大径の後方部分は許容部３１となっている。規制
部３０はロック動作部材２５がロック位置にあるときの
弾性係合部材２７と対応し、規制部３０の内径は係合位
置における弾性係合部材２７の外径と同じ寸法に設定さ
れている。したがって、ロック動作部材２５がロック位
置にあって弾性係合部材２７が係合位置にある状態で
は、規制部３０により弾性係合部材２７の退避位置への
変位が規制される。また、許容部３１はロック動作部材
２５がロック解除位置にあるときの弾性係合部材２７と
対応し、この状態では、弾性係合部材２７が退避位置へ
の弾性変位が可能となっている。尚、撓み規制部材２９
の後端はストッパ３２となっており、ロック位置にある
ロック動作部材２５がそれ以上前方へ移動することを規
制するようになっている。On the outer periphery of the front end of the cylindrical fitting portion 23, a cylindrical bending restriction member 2 extending so as to overhang rearward is formed.
9 is fixedly attached. This bending restriction member 2
A small-diameter front portion of the inner circumference of 9 serves as a restriction portion 30, and a large-diameter rear portion thereof serves as an allowance portion 31. The restriction portion 30 corresponds to the elastic engagement member 27 when the lock operation member 25 is at the lock position, and the inner diameter of the restriction portion 30 is set to the same dimension as the outer diameter of the elastic engagement member 27 at the engagement position. . Therefore, when the lock operation member 25 is at the lock position and the elastic engagement member 27 is at the engagement position, the restriction portion 30 restricts the displacement of the elastic engagement member 27 to the retracted position. Further, the allowance portion 31 corresponds to the elastic engagement member 27 when the lock operation member 25 is in the unlocked position, and in this state, the elastic engagement member 27 can be elastically displaced to the retracted position. The bending restriction member 29
The rear end is a stopper 32, which restricts the lock operation member 25 in the lock position from further moving forward.
【００１７】次に、本実施形態の作用について説明す
る。雌コネクタ２０の組付けの際には、筒形嵌合部２３
の外周にロック動作部材２５とロックスプリング２６を
取付けておく。この状態では、ロック動作部材２５がロ
ック位置に保持され、ボール支持孔２４の前端部が弾性
係合部材２７によって外周側から塞がれたようになって
いる。そして、この状態で弾性係合部材２７を１片ずつ
外周側へ弾性変位させつつロックボール３５を１個ずつ
ボール支持孔２４内に収容していく。この間、先に装着
したロックボール３５は、弾性係合部材２７とそのボー
ル押圧部２８とによってボール支持孔２４内の前端部位
置に保持されているから、雌コネクタ２０の向きを変え
てもボール支持孔２４から脱落することがない。したが
って、ロックボール３５の装着作業を容易に行うことが
できる。Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. When the female connector 20 is assembled, the cylindrical fitting portion 23
The lock operation member 25 and the lock spring 26 are attached to the outer circumference of the. In this state, the lock operation member 25 is held at the lock position, and the front end portion of the ball support hole 24 is closed by the elastic engagement member 27 from the outer peripheral side. Then, in this state, the elastic engagement members 27 are elastically displaced one by one toward the outer peripheral side, and the lock balls 35 are accommodated in the ball support holes 24 one by one. During this time, the previously mounted lock ball 35 is held at the front end position in the ball support hole 24 by the elastic engagement member 27 and the ball pressing portion 28, so that the ball can be changed even if the direction of the female connector 20 is changed. It does not fall off from the support hole 24. Therefore, the work of mounting the lock ball 35 can be easily performed.
【００１８】また、雄コネクタ１０と雌コネクタ２０と
を嵌合する際には、雄コネクタ１０と雌コネクタ２０と
の嵌合が開始されると、まず、雄コネクタ１０のフード
部１３の外周前端縁が筒形嵌合部２３の内周側へ突出し
ているロックボール３５に当接してこれを押すが、ロッ
クボール３５は、規制部３０によって外周側への変位が
規制された弾性係合部材２７によって外周側から押圧さ
れていることから、ロックボール３５とロック動作部材
２５とが一体となってロックスプリング２６の付勢に抗
して後方へ押される。When the male connector 10 and the female connector 20 are fitted together, when the male connector 10 and the female connector 20 are started to be fitted together, first, the outer peripheral front end of the hood portion 13 of the male connector 10 is started. The rim abuts against and pushes the lock ball 35 protruding toward the inner peripheral side of the tubular fitting portion 23, but the lock ball 35 is an elastic engaging member whose displacement toward the outer peripheral side is restricted by the restricting portion 30. Since it is pressed from the outer peripheral side by 27, the lock ball 35 and the lock operation member 25 are integrally pressed against the bias of the lock spring 26 to the rear.
【００１９】そして、弾性係合部材２７が規制部３０と
対応する領域から許容部３１と対応する領域へ移行する
と、ロック動作部材２５の後方への移動が停止して弾性
係合部材２７が外周側へ弾性変位し、ロックボール３５
がボール支持孔２４内に退避する（図２を参照）。この
後は、フード部１３の外周とロックボール３５とが接触
しつつ両コネクタ１０，２０の嵌合が進む。When the elastic engagement member 27 moves from the area corresponding to the restriction portion 30 to the area corresponding to the allowance portion 31, the rearward movement of the locking operation member 25 is stopped and the elastic engagement member 27 is moved to the outer periphery. Is elastically displaced to the side, and the lock ball 35
Retracts into the ball support hole 24 (see FIG. 2). After that, the fitting of both connectors 10 and 20 proceeds while the outer periphery of the hood portion 13 and the lock ball 35 are in contact with each other.
【００２０】そして、両コネクタ１０，２０が深く嵌合
する状態に至って雄コネクタ１０の係合溝１４がロック
ボール３５と対応する位置に達すると、弾性係合部材２
７がその弾性復元力により内周側へ弾性復帰し、ロック
ボール３５が係合溝１４に係合する。すると、ロックス
プリング２６の付勢により、ロック動作部材２５が前方
へ移動すると共に、雄コネクタ１０が相対的に後方へ押
し戻され、ロック動作部材２５がロック位置に達したと
ころで、嵌合動作が完了する。このとき、弾性係合部材
２７が規制部３０と対応して外周側への変位が規制され
ているため、ロックボール３５と係合溝１４との係合状
態が保持され、もって、嵌合された両コネクタ１０，２
０が抜止め状態にロックされる。When the connectors 10, 20 are deeply fitted and the engaging groove 14 of the male connector 10 reaches the position corresponding to the lock ball 35, the elastic engaging member 2
7 elastically returns to the inner peripheral side by the elastic restoring force, and the lock ball 35 engages with the engagement groove 14. Then, by the biasing of the lock spring 26, the lock operation member 25 moves forward, the male connector 10 is relatively pushed back backward, and when the lock operation member 25 reaches the lock position, the fitting operation is completed. To do. At this time, since the elastic engagement member 27 is restricted from being displaced toward the outer peripheral side in correspondence with the restriction portion 30, the engagement state between the lock ball 35 and the engagement groove 14 is maintained, and thus the fitting is performed. Both connectors 10, 2
0 is locked in the retaining state.
【００２１】両コネクタ１０，２０を離脱させる際に
は、ロック動作部材２５をロック位置からロック解除位
置へ移動させると、弾性係合部材２７が規制部３０から
許容部３１と対応する位置へ移行してロックが解除され
る。そして、この状態において手でロック動作部材２５
をロック解除位置に保持しておき、両コネクタ１０，２
０を引き離すようにする。すると、ロックボール３５が
外周側へ変位して係合溝１４から外れ、図３の状態を経
て、両コネクタ１０，２０が離脱される。When the lock operating member 25 is moved from the lock position to the lock releasing position when the connectors 10 and 20 are to be disengaged, the elastic engaging member 27 moves from the restricting portion 30 to the position corresponding to the permitting portion 31. Then the lock is released. Then, in this state, the lock operation member 25 is manually operated.
Is held in the unlocked position and both connectors 10, 2
Try to pull 0 apart. Then, the lock ball 35 is displaced to the outer peripheral side and disengaged from the engagement groove 14, and the connectors 10 and 20 are detached after the state of FIG.
【００２２】上述のように、雌コネクタ２０の組付けに
際しては、雌コネクタ２０の姿勢を変えても、装着済み
のロックボール３５が弾性係合部材２７によってボール
支持孔２４内に保持されるから、周方向における４位置
にロックボール３５が配置されていても、装着作業を容
易に行うことができる。As described above, when the female connector 20 is assembled, even if the posture of the female connector 20 is changed, the mounted lock ball 35 is held in the ball support hole 24 by the elastic engagement member 27. Even if the lock balls 35 are arranged at four positions in the circumferential direction, the mounting work can be easily performed.
【００２３】＜他の実施形態＞本発明は上記記述及び図
面によって説明した実施形態に限定されるものではな
く、例えば次のような実施態様も本発明の技術的範囲に
含まれ、さらに、下記以外にも要旨を逸脱しない範囲内
で種々変更して実施することができる。<Other Embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and the drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
【００２４】（１）上記実施形態では、弾性係合部材が
外周側から相手側コネクタに係合する場合について説明
したが、本発明によれば、弾性係合部材が内周側から相
手側コネクタに係合する構成としてもよい。(1) In the above embodiment, the case where the elastic engaging member engages with the mating connector from the outer peripheral side has been described. According to the present invention, the elastic engaging member engages with the mating connector from the inner peripheral side. May be configured to engage with.
【００２５】（２）上記実施形態では、ロックスプリン
グを設けたが、ロックスプリングを設けずにロック動作
部材を手動で移動させる構成としてもよい。(2) In the above embodiment, the lock spring is provided, but the lock operation member may be manually moved without providing the lock spring.
【００２６】（３）上記実施形態では、撓み規制部材を
固定してロック動作部材を移動可能な構成とした場合に
ついて説明したが、本発明によれば、ロック動作部材を
固定して撓み規制部材を移動可能な構成としてもよい。(3) In the above embodiment, the case where the bending restricting member is fixed and the locking operation member is movable is described, but according to the present invention, the locking operation member is fixed and the bending restriction member is fixed. May be movable.
【図１】本発明の一実施形態の嵌合状態の断面図FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a fitted state according to an embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】弾性係合部材が退避位置に変位した状態をあら
わす部分断面図FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where an elastic engagement member is displaced to a retracted position.
【図３】弾性係合部材がロック解除位置に変位した状態
をあらわす部分断面図FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where an elastic engagement member is displaced to a lock release position.
【図４】ロック動作部材とロックボールの取付け状態を
あらわす分解斜視図FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a mounting state of a lock operation member and a lock ball.
【図５】ロックボールの取付け状態をあらわす部分横断
面図FIG. 5 is a partial lateral cross-sectional view showing a mounted state of a lock ball.
１０…雄コネクタ（相手側コネクタ） ２１…コネクタハウジング ２３…筒形嵌合部 ２４…ボール支持孔 ２７…弾性係合部材 ２９…撓み規制部材 ３５…ロックボール ３６…ロックスプリング DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Male connector (mating side connector) 21 ... Connector housing 23 ... Cylindrical fitting part 24 ... Ball support hole 27 ... Elastic engagement member 29 ... Deflection control member 35 ... Lock ball 36 ... Lock spring
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (72)発明者 宮崎 正 三重県四日市市西末広町１番14号 住友電 装株式会社内 (72)発明者 津田 滋宏 兵庫県伊丹市北河原字当田20の２ 朝日金 属精工株式会社内 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tadashi Miyazaki 1-14 Nishisuehiro-cho, Yokkaichi-shi, Mie Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. (72) Inventor Shigehiro Tsuda 20-2, Kitadara, Itami-shi, Hyogo Asahi Kinsei Seiko Co., Ltd.
Claims (3)
の嵌合可能に設けられた筒形嵌合部と、 前記筒形嵌合部にその内外両周面に開口して形成された
ボール支持孔と、 前記ボール支持孔内に径方向への変位可能に、且つ、前
記相手側コネクタと対応する周面側への脱抜を不能に収
容され、前記筒形嵌合部の周面への突出部分が相手側コ
ネクタに係合することによりコネクタ同士を嵌合状態に
ロックするロックボールと、 前記相手側コネクタとの係合可能状態にある前記ロック
ボールに対して前記相手側コネクタと反対側から当接す
る係合位置と、前記ロックボールの前記相手コネクタか
らの離脱を許容する退避位置との間で径方向への弾性変
位可能な弾性係合部材と、 前記弾性係合部材の退避位置への弾性撓みを規制可能な
撓み規制部材とを備えて構成されることを特徴とするコ
ネクタのロック構造。1. A cylindrical fitting portion provided in a connector housing so as to be capable of fitting with a mating connector, and a ball support hole formed in the cylindrical fitting portion by opening on both inner and outer peripheral surfaces thereof. A projecting portion of the tubular fitting portion that is housed in the ball support hole so as to be displaceable in the radial direction and incapable of being removed to the peripheral surface side corresponding to the mating connector, Engages with the mating connector to lock the connectors in a fitted state, and the lock ball in the engageable state with the mating connector from the side opposite to the mating connector. An elastic engaging member that is elastically displaceable in a radial direction between an engaging position in contact with the retracted position that allows the lock ball to be disengaged from the mating connector; and elasticity of the elastic engaging member to the retracted position. Bending control member that can control bending Lock structure of a connector characterized in that it is configured with.
方向において、撓み規制部材により弾性係合部材の退避
位置への弾性変位を規制されるロック位置と前記弾性係
合部材の退避位置への変位が許容されるロック解除位置
との間での移動可能に設けられていることを特徴とする
請求項１記載のコネクタのロック構造。2. The elastic engagement member has a lock position and an elastic engagement member retracted position where elastic deformation of the elastic engagement member is restricted to a retracted position by a bending restriction member in a mating direction of a mating connector. The lock structure for a connector according to claim 1, wherein the lock structure is provided so as to be movable between the lock release position and the lock release position.
向に沿って細長く形成され、弾性係合部材には前記ボー
ル支持孔内においてロックボールをロック位置側へ押圧
可能なボール押圧部が形成され、前記弾性係合部材はロ
ックスプリングによって前記ロック位置側へ付勢されて
いることを特徴とする請求項２記載のコネクタのロック
構造。3. The ball support hole is formed elongated along the mating direction of the mating connector, and the elastic engagement member is formed with a ball pressing portion capable of pressing the lock ball toward the lock position in the ball support hole. The lock structure for a connector according to claim 2, wherein the elastic engagement member is urged toward the lock position by a lock spring.
Priority Applications (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7267728A JPH0992395A (en) | 1995-09-20 | 1995-09-20 | Locking mechanism for connector |
| EP96114192A EP0765006B1 (en) | 1995-09-20 | 1996-09-04 | Connector lock structure |
| DE69607548T DE69607548T2 (en) | 1995-09-20 | 1996-09-04 | Locking device for connectors |
| US08/710,142 US5690503A (en) | 1995-09-20 | 1996-09-13 | Connector lock structure |
| CN96122546.7A CN1057875C (en) | 1995-09-20 | 1996-09-20 | Connector lock structure |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7267728A JPH0992395A (en) | 1995-09-20 | 1995-09-20 | Locking mechanism for connector |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH0992395A true JPH0992395A (en) | 1997-04-04 |
Family
ID=17448749
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP7267728A Pending JPH0992395A (en) | 1995-09-20 | 1995-09-20 | Locking mechanism for connector |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5690503A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0765006B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH0992395A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1057875C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69607548T2 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2011132772A1 (en) * | 2010-04-22 | 2011-10-27 | カナレ電気株式会社 | Ball-lock connector |
| KR101373244B1 (en) * | 2008-06-09 | 2014-03-11 | 인터레모 홀딩 에스.에이. | Female Connector, Male Connector, and Connector System thereof |
| CN112467473A (en) * | 2019-09-06 | 2021-03-09 | Odu有限两合公司 | Ball lock connector |
Families Citing this family (16)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19652838C2 (en) * | 1996-12-18 | 2001-04-12 | Contact Gmbh Elek Sche Bauelem | Plug an electrical connector and electrical connector |
| WO2003008278A1 (en) * | 2001-07-17 | 2003-01-30 | Graham Packaging Company, L.P. | Plastic container having an inverted active cage |
| US6824415B2 (en) | 2001-11-01 | 2004-11-30 | Andrew Corporation | Coaxial connector with spring loaded coupling mechanism |
| DE202004007909U1 (en) * | 2004-05-17 | 2004-07-22 | Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik Gmbh & Co | Housing coupler for a coaxial connector |
| JP4230530B1 (en) * | 2008-05-10 | 2009-02-25 | 株式会社伊島精機 | connector |
| US8113875B2 (en) | 2008-09-30 | 2012-02-14 | Belden Inc. | Cable connector |
| CN101728710B (en) * | 2008-10-30 | 2012-09-19 | 贵州航天电器股份有限公司 | Self-locking quick-lock connector of steel ball |
| US8157588B1 (en) | 2011-02-08 | 2012-04-17 | Belden Inc. | Cable connector with biasing element |
| US9178312B2 (en) * | 2011-10-13 | 2015-11-03 | Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. | Charging port locking device |
| CN104798262B (en) * | 2012-10-19 | 2017-07-07 | 李尔公司 | Electric coupler component |
| US20150222037A1 (en) * | 2014-01-31 | 2015-08-06 | Miraco, Inc. | High reliability interconnect for conductive ink circuits |
| CN104882714A (en) * | 2015-05-19 | 2015-09-02 | 泰州市建业车件制造有限公司 | Vehicle charging rotation seat |
| US9831596B1 (en) | 2016-12-29 | 2017-11-28 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises Llc | Flame-proof connectors |
| CN106684577A (en) * | 2017-03-03 | 2017-05-17 | 曹孝培 | Multi-side pressing type intermediate quick energy-saving conductive connector |
| JP6933126B2 (en) * | 2017-12-26 | 2021-09-08 | 住友電装株式会社 | Connector housing and connector |
| CN113629452B (en) * | 2021-07-20 | 2023-05-16 | 中航光电科技股份有限公司 | Quick push-and-pull structure with locking function and connector |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1947939C3 (en) * | 1969-09-22 | 1973-10-25 | Wolf-Geraete Gmbh, 5240 Betzdorf | Plug-in coupling for hoses, in particular garden hoses, consisting of a receiving part and a plug-in part |
| US4166664A (en) * | 1975-01-24 | 1979-09-04 | Amp Incorporated | High voltage quick disconnect electrical connector assembly |
| US4939339A (en) * | 1989-04-03 | 1990-07-03 | Fmc Corporation | Apparatus for quick disconnect of an arc welder torch |
-
1995
- 1995-09-20 JP JP7267728A patent/JPH0992395A/en active Pending
-
1996
- 1996-09-04 DE DE69607548T patent/DE69607548T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-09-04 EP EP96114192A patent/EP0765006B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-09-13 US US08/710,142 patent/US5690503A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-09-20 CN CN96122546.7A patent/CN1057875C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR101373244B1 (en) * | 2008-06-09 | 2014-03-11 | 인터레모 홀딩 에스.에이. | Female Connector, Male Connector, and Connector System thereof |
| WO2011132772A1 (en) * | 2010-04-22 | 2011-10-27 | カナレ電気株式会社 | Ball-lock connector |
| US8764473B2 (en) | 2010-04-22 | 2014-07-01 | Canare Electric Co., Ltd. | Ball-lock connector |
| CN112467473A (en) * | 2019-09-06 | 2021-03-09 | Odu有限两合公司 | Ball lock connector |
| CN112467473B (en) * | 2019-09-06 | 2023-03-24 | Odu有限两合公司 | Ball lock connector |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE69607548D1 (en) | 2000-05-11 |
| CN1151622A (en) | 1997-06-11 |
| US5690503A (en) | 1997-11-25 |
| EP0765006B1 (en) | 2000-04-05 |
| DE69607548T2 (en) | 2000-11-23 |
| EP0765006A1 (en) | 1997-03-26 |
| CN1057875C (en) | 2000-10-25 |
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